Decomposition of formic acid in very low concentration

Abstract

The use of titania, zirconia, coprecipitated titania-zirconia or caustic on an inert solid inorganic support such as alumina or titania-zirconia to decompose formic acid in very dilute aqueous solutions thereof.

We claim: 
     
       1. The process of increasing the pH of a very dilute solution of formic acid to 4.0 or higher which comprises contacting said solution with a heterogeneous formic acid decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of caustic on a solid inorganic substrate selected from the group consisting of alumina, titania-zirconia, titania, zirconia, silica, and mixtures thereof, at a temperature of from about 500° to 1200° F, said solution containing up to about 1.0 weight percent of formic acid. 
     
     
       2. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein the formic acid content of said solution is up to about 0.1 weight percent. 
     
     
       3. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein said catalyst is caustic on alumina. 
     
     
       4. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein said catalyst is caustic on coprecipitated titania-zirconia. 
     
     
       5. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein said catalyst is caustic on titania. 
     
     
       6. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein said catalyst is caustic on zirconia. 
     
     
       7. The process claimed in claim 1 wherein said catalyst is caustic on silica.